Purdue seeks improvement at linebacker

Purdue linebacker coach Marcus Freeman works with his players during a drill on the opening day of spring football practice inside the Mollenkopf Athletic Center, in West Lafayette, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.(Photo: Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier)Buy Photo

WEST LAFAYETTE — Changes and adjustments needed to be made on the defensive side of the ball for Purdue.

Marcus Freeman is well aware his group of linebackers didn't play well.

Part of Freeman's job as the linebackers coach is to figure out how to make the defense and his linebackers better. One change during spring practice was moving Jimmy Herman to an outside spot and Sean Robinson to the middle in an effort to take a step forward.

"When you watch film and you're not successful — we were not a great defense last year, we weren't a great linebacker corps last year — you've got to say, 'Hey, we've got to make changes to try and figure out what's the right piece to the puzzle,'" Freeman said. "That's what we're in the process of doing.

"We tried it this way, it didn't work. Let's try moving this guy here, this guy there. That's part of being a coach — you have to be able to change."

Herman is bigger, but doesn't believe he's lost his speed. The Carmel native enjoys playing in space and the outside spot is a better fit for his abilities.

"I like covering guys and I like being in space," said Herman, who appeared in all 12 games. "I want to be physical on the outside. I don't want the other team to get outside."

The sophomore brings plenty of lessons from last year's experience.

"Just how fast you have to play and how important it is to play fast and play physical," Herman said. "I didn't have a lot of experience last year, and if you play fast and you play physical, you're going to do things right.

"Even if you're not in the exact right position, you're causing disruption, and that's what you want to do as a linebacker. The experience will get you in the right spot."

Freeman likes what he's seeing from Herman. He's playing more physical — an area that Freeman emphasizes every practice – and starting to understand what it takes to be successful.

As part of a new coaching staff last spring, Freeman didn't have time to figure out where everyone should be playing.

"Last year, when you come here, you don't know them. You try and put them where you put them and then you figure it out," Freeman said.

Carvajal update

Coach Darrell Hazell said tight end Carlos Caravjal suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Tuesday's practice.

Hazell expects Carvajal to be sidelined four to six months.

"He was doing a nice job, which is unfortunate for him and us," Hazell said.

On scholarship

Fifth-year linebacker Collin Link received a text Thursday afternoon saying he's been put on scholarship. Link didn't have time to notify his family of the news.

"I wanted to wait a little bit before I could tell them to be sure that it happened," he said. "I'm sure my dad will be very happy."

The native of West Liberty, Ohio, tried to follow the example of hard work set by former players, including his brother and linebacker Chris Carlino.

"I really looked up to them and their attitude and how they never let themselves get down and pushed through it," he said. "It's the way I was brought up — my family always trying to make us do things right and not be a troublemaker."

Link is expected to be heavily involved in special teams and is currently a second-team linebacker.

Class rank

Not only did Dolapo Macarthy move from receiver to tight end, but it was recently discovered that the Merrillville native is now in his final season of eligibility.

Hazell said "we heard rumors something had been miscommunicated a little bit earlier and just looked into it."

The 2014 season is it for Macarthy.

"It means he has to do a great job for us this year," Hazell said.

Etc.

Saturday's kick scrimmage is scheduled to take place inside Ross-Ade Stadium or at the Bimel Practice Complex from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ... The Boilermakers will be at Food Finders Food Bank toiday from 2:45 to 3:20 p.m. (defensive players) and 4 to 4:40 p.m. (offensive players).